Scott Caldwell Missouri Cases

Scott Caldwell sued UniFirst Corporation and Michael Dean Seever II, alleging disability discrimination and retaliation under the MHRA, and retaliation under the Workers' Compensation Law, after he was terminated following a back injury. A jury found in Caldwell's favor on all claims, but the trial court granted judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV) for the defendants. The appellate court reversed the JNOV on the MHRA claims, finding substantial evidence supported the jury's verdicts, but affirmed the JNOV on the workers' compensation retaliation claim due to a lack of causal evidence. The case was remanded for reinstatement of the MHRA verdicts and a determination of attorney fees.

This case, returning for the third time, involves an appeal by UniFirst Corporation and Michael Dean Seever, II, from a trial court's judgment confirming an arbitrator's decision. The arbitrator had determined that an arbitration clause in an employment agreement with Scott Caldwell was not arbitrable because it lacked mutuality of consideration and was therefore not binding. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's judgment, holding that the arbitrator did not exceed his authority by applying Missouri law to contract formation issues or by finding the arbitration clause invalid for lack of mutuality.